[mythtv-users] Alsa volume control

[David George]

On 11/04/2004 06:19 PM, Matthew Gleed wrote:

> I'm having a problem with not being able to adjust the volume within 
> Mythfrontend using ALSA.  I've been going over the archives and I've 
> seen a couple references to this problem without any resolution 
> posted.  When ever I try to adjust the volume I see the OSD come up 
> but it is always at 0 percent.  My audio output is fine as are the 
> audio levels and I'm able to adjust the volume levels within 
> alsamixer.  I'm using the audio on my motherboard which is provided by 
> an intel ICH5 chipset.

What audio code are you running?  version .16, CVS, or Ed's latest patch?

> I think I'm pretty clear on how to configure the audio output device 
> field.  However, I haven't found any documentation that was clear on 
> what should be used in the mixer device field.

The mixer field should be "default" (without the quotes) if you are 
using the "big audio update" patch.

>   So I have just assumed that the two fields should be configured the 
> same.  If this isn't accurate can someone set me straight.  If anyone 
> has any ideas as to why I cannot adjust the volume levels within the 
> frontend I would appreciate it.  Do I need any of the ALSA plugins to 
> be able to adjust volume?  Thanks!

Myth doesn't support changing the volume with ALSA yet unless you are 
using the "big audio update" patch.  If you are using the audio patch, I 
have noticed that I can't change the volume using the optical out with 
my ICH4 mobo.  Not sure about the ICH5.  I just bought an ICH5 mobo with 
coax S/PDIF output so I'll let you know how that goes.  Anyway the only 
way I could get the volume control to work on the ICH4 was to use the 6 
channel analog out to my receiver.

Also there is a problem with the latest audio patch where the volume 
control can get stuck on a certain volume because the 
increment/decrement amount is less than the smallest range adjustment 
(if you don't understand what this means just take my word for it).

I just sent a patch against Ed's latest patch to the dev list which 
improves Alsa support and should fix the volume control.  I am 
rebuilding my dev machine right now so I can't actually test the volume, 
but the audio works much better (no more audio lag).

HTH,
David